Esophageal Cancer

Overview

Esophageal cancer is cancer that occurs in the esophagus, the long, hollow tube that runs from your throat to your stomach. Your esophagus carries food you swallow to your stomach to be digested. Esophageal cancer begins in the cells that line the inside of the esophagus and can occur anywhere in the esophagus. In the United States, it occurs most often in the lower portion of the esophagus. The Esophageal Cancer Action Network can offer more information about esophageal cancer and ways to promote awareness.

While this disease is rare, esophageal cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer. In the localized stage, meaning it is only growing in the esophagus, this cancer has only a 38 percent five-year survival rate. In the regional stage, the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissues. This stage has only a 20 percent survival rate. The distant stage, when the cancer has spread to other organs, has a 3 percent survival rate.

The cause of esophageal cancer is unknown. Esophageal cancer occurs when the cells in your esophagus develop mutations, or errors, in their DNA. These errors make cells grow and divide out of control. The accumulating abnormal cells form a tumor in the esophagus that can grow and invade nearby structures, spreading to other parts of the body.

Esophageal cancer is classified according to the type of cells that are involved. The type of esophageal cancer you have helps determine your treatment options.

Types of Esophageal Cancer

Adenocarcinoma- begins in the cells of mucus-secreting glands in the esophagus. This type of esophageal cancer occurs most often in the lower portion of the esophagus. Adenocarcinoma is the most common form of esophageal cancer in the U.S., and it affects primarily white men.

Squamous cell carcinoma- flat, thin cells that line the surface of the esophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma occurs most often in the middle of the esophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most prevalent esophageal cancer worldwide.